Finally I had a manual for myself

Finally I had a manual for myself
"You should go work in a bookstore without customers." This heartfelt advice Jeanette was a few years ago from her friend. Jeanette is highly sensitive and she was there then too cumbersome. She is now a valued residential counselor for mentally handicapped and she has the good sense to her. "That did not matter," says Jeanette, "I have something to do."

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee

Jeanette has taken careful steps to get this far. She is going to find out how they could cope with its high sensitivity. An important first step was to learn and accept its high sensitivity. Jeanette: "When I read about it, I finally knew what was going on, and I had a manual for myself." She understood better why they often become so intense was tired and could feel themselves unstable.
Highly Sensitive People or HSP (highly sensitive person), by their life experiences more intense than average. Environmental influences are stronger within them. This has already filled their bucket, and have a greater chance of being burned out. Therefore take hsp are often satisfied with a simple job, hoping that she can easily maintain. But one can gevoeligerd's a tough job, but he provided well for himself.
Jeanette is in her role as a residential counselor changing services, a considerable burden on its forms. Besides her job she has caring for her daughter. To all this must be sustainable for a party they sometimes cancel or schedule a rest day after a heavy weekend shifts. She also taught her colleagues in a tactful way to tell what they sometimes need, so they can respond. It was not easy for her to accept these limits, because she wanted to be like everyone.Some quiet time provides muchSuccessful highly sensitive people are careful to stay balanced. One of them is Ada, who works full time as an account manager at an IT office. Ada benefits from pilates, tai chi and reiki. She takes them to rest as she is and makes the occasional walk. Ada: "If you feel good, you sell more, why does such a great time to rest." For her work she regularly to conferences to network and customers. Previously she found it very tiring. Since she has learned her aura (the energy field around her) to close to environmental influences, she can perfectly.Favorable working optWhen looking for a new feature, select successful hsp's favorable working conditions. For one, it is important occasionally to a quiet room to work, for others it is freedom in the layout of the work is important. Ada experience the advantage of being based targeting works. She must get a certain amount of assignments, and they can decide how it works. Thus, she one day that she feels less rest, and if necessary cancel an appointment or at home. On days when it feels good, she is way more to customers. This appears to work well, because its success rate is above average.Do something you have passion forSuccessful hsp-taking their interests seriously in the choices for training and jobs. This means that they enjoy their work. This makes them feel stronger and better maintain their energy levels. Jeanette: "I got a job as assistant cook in a form of housing for the mentally handicapped. When it became apparent that I contact with the residents was the most fun. Therefore I am training SPW (social pedagogical work) to do. Passion for doing something you really have to charge you, because you get energy. "He does not really know where his passion lies, may seek the help of a career or a good book in terms of career choices.You have talentsSuccessful hsp's to know what their talents are. Highly Sensitive people are often perceptive, compassionate, conscientious and creative. They provide an early risks and identify market opportunities. They often come very passionate and original solutions. HSP who recognize and appreciate their own talents, this is a great advantage in their career. Jeanette: "I feel the needs of the residents very well, nor can it respond properly. They have been quiet as I enter. "Also see Ada in her job as an account has advantages in its high sensitivity," I feel like the seller of other goods. This gives me very quickly a foundation of trust with customers. So I can easily sell. "An interesting jobAll in all there are prospects for hsp who desperately ask, "Will I ever go further than this boring job?" Many highly sensitive people have gradually found a guide for himself, and if successful steps in their careers can take. Jeanette was a few years ago as desperate: "I struggled with the acceptance of my high-sensitivity, I would prefer to be normal. But now I enjoy my work. "High Sensitivity in the workplace: two sides of the coin:High Sensitivity High Sensitivity and quality as an expenseToo many people feel good moods are influenced by othersMany signals Regularly pick up area in need of restCaring for others too much care for othersQuality of paramount importance have to do it perfectlyTake too much responsibility on your shouldersPleasant Trouble liaising with assertivenessIntuitive Your intuition can not feel much into actionDriven and hard work by overwork burnoutCreate new solutions you bored with repetitive workEarly trends and identify risks no response within the organizationLift the receiver to make a meaningful contribution to meaningless goals

Business Coach Training - Training to Become a Business Coach

By Rafael Tassini

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

As employers are finding it necessary to lay off employees or even go out of business, the company leaders are seeking help to save their businesses. Coaches in business can help assess problem areas and make recommendations on how to make the company more efficient and profitable. If you think you would excel at business coaching, you might want to consider a business coach training course. These classes prepare students for many situations and result in a certification credential that can set the graduates apart from other, less qualified, business coaches. Challenging courses are becoming known for their excellent preparation for the actual real world business coaching experience.
Curriculum in a coach training course is typically focused on several areas. The first area includes the business practices that that have been proven to work in the real world. These models, processes, and formulas have been tested and tried in different business situations and projects. Business coaches must have the ability to look at the company and see it in parts that make up the whole. They have to assess the parts of the company that are slowing production and profits. Coaches must also be problem solvers that can see the solution to the problem and make recommendations.
Learning how to deal with business leaders is also a part of coach training. This interpersonal training is included in excellent training courses. Structuring a relationship with a client that allows for effective communications of the mistakes and overlooked areas of the business can be tricky without a framework. Learning about how to build a foundation for this effective kind of relationship is covered in the class on becoming a business coach. Communication skills from company leadership to the rest of the company structure are highly important when the leader starts making changes in the company. Coaches in business also have to know how to help the leader of the company learn how to communicate and motivate effectively.
When you are building a business as a coach for other businesses, you need to keep in mind your own advice. Structuring a coaching business correctly can lay the foundation for success in the future. Coach training courses can help you get that foundation right. A business coach is nothing without clients. Training courses also help you learn how to find and connect with potential clients. Traditional marketing strategies don't often work in this field so the class can also teach you how to market effectively. A coaching business can soar with the right training.

 

Responding the Right Way to Job Vacancies

By Mark Andrew Woodcock

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

In this dastardly economy it can take a lot to get noticed when you are in line for a job. Simply put, work is scarce and competition is fierce. There are certain things that you can do when responding to job vacancies however, to get yourself noticed.

Your obvious in is your resume. Even though dollars may be a little tight, reworking your budget to afford professional resume services may be well worth the hassle. With the right eye you can whittle down the presentation of your skill and experience to a tight, all-encompassing description of you that will not only impress, but will continually find its way to the top of the pile.

Your resume is where you give your first impression, so it is always best to strive for perfection before sending it out. One of the key areas of construction is your objectives. Given the rough job market it is especially important to leave yourself open for new opportunities that your prior experience may qualify your for.

With a strong resume and cover letter you have a far better chance of standing out from the crowd and getting an interview. What many people do not realize however is that large companies often have a very simple weeding out process. Any required pre-application process is a simple way of telling whether or not potential employees follow directions well. Make certain that if there is any online application instructions or pre-interview instructions that they are followed to the letter. When applicants deviate from specific instructions they can be immediately limited. For these larger companies hiring is really a numbers game, which means whittling the number of applicants down to a workable group can mean strict attention given to tiny details.

The important thing to remember when apply to new job openings is that a delay in response is not necessarily a bad thing. Stay patient and try to invest your time in activities that can enhance your skills. See about getting your next degree online, or simply taking courses at the local community college to enhance your skills in your field. This can be added to your resume and shows that you have aggressively worked to both fill your time and improve upon yourself.

With a little diligence you will find the right job for you. In spite of the sink or swim nature of the job market however, responding to job vacancies is best done with as little haste as possible. From your resume to the interview it is important to make certain that your accuracy and attention to detail bring you to the forefront of hiring discussions.

Telecommuters Face Perception Gap

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


Telecommuters must navigate a paradoxical new challenge in the workplace, according to a recent survey. While a large majority of executives believe telecommuters are equally or more productive than their peers who work in offices, many of those same business leaders believe telecommuters are less likely to advance in their careers.

The survey found that 61 percent of executives downgraded telecommuters' advancement chances compared with those of employees who work in traditional office settings.

Despite their negative outlook, 78 percent of executives still regarded telecommuters as productive employees, according to the survey from Futurestep, a subsidiary of Korn/Ferry International.

Face Time Is Key

The gap suggests that a worker's "face time" with a supervisor plays a big role in advancement, experts say, but it may also point to the tenacity of an old-school way of thinking about corporate success.

"The majority of these executives are most likely baby boomers and traditionalists," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions in Northampton, Massachusetts.

"The mindset is similar to that of seasoned physicians training new doctors: 'I had to endure working 80-hour weeks for minimal pay, so you will too,'" she adds.

A total of 1,320 executives from 71 countries took the survey. Ages of the respondents were not available, according to Korn/Ferry.

Results, Not Roll-Call

"Employers are measuring the wrong things," Matuson says. "They should be concerned with results, yet they still focus on who's been in the office every night past eight."

Chuck Wilsker, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Telework Coalition, agrees that some senior business leaders need to shift their approach.

"To be an effective manager in the 21st century will require that there be a change in management style," he says. "Managers must be trained and become aware of the requirements to manage a remote and distributed work force."

Plan for Visibility

Telecommuters, however, must be pro-active in increasing their visibility with managers, says William Arruda, author of the book "Bullet-Proof Your Career."

Arruda offers the following tips for telecommuters:

• Communicate more frequently than you would if you were at the office, through regular progress reports or quick check-in calls.
• Use instant messaging to stay connected throughout the day, but make sure you follow IM etiquette and don't annoy people.
• Commit to being onsite for important meetings and events. Telecommuting doesn't mean never going into the office.
• Speak up during conference calls, always saying your name before making a point, such as, "This is Janice, and I would suggest"
• Find a way to add value to the business from your location, such as meeting with local clients or heading the local chapter of a professional association.
• Increase your visibility outside your company. Sometimes the value you create externally makes you more valuable internally.

Increasingly, companies are using telecommuting to retain talented employees. With good communication skills, you can make sure the benefit doesn't become a burden on your prospects for advancement.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Gay Employees Weigh Coming-Out Issues

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Every lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person must figure out the right time -- and most appropriate way -- to come out to family and friends. Transfer the coming-out situation to the workplace, and it becomes even more complex.

Even as most Fortune 500 corporations tout LGBT-friendly policies as recruitment tools and the workforce becomes more diverse, many factors -- including office culture, your boss' attitude and your state of mind -- must be considered before telling your colleagues that you're gay.

Does the Company Talk the Talk?

If you work for an employer like IBM, which includes sexual orientation as well as gender expression and identity in its nondiscrimination policies, offers domestic partner benefits and sponsors nearly 50 LGBT employee groups, you're probably in good stead.

But less than half of U.S. states (17) prohibit private employers from firing workers because of their sexual orientation, so knowing your company's policies is critical, says Jere Keys, communications manager for Out and Equal, a nonprofit workplace advocacy for LGBT people.

The Impact on the Team
Consider whether your coming out will prove a distraction on your -- and your co-workers' ability -- to achieve the best bottom line.

"When we advise people on coming out at work we want to make sure that they are aware of their workplace surroundings, that they take the temperature of teammates to get a feel for whether or not they will be accepting," said Eric Bloem, associate director of the Human Rights Campaign's Workplace Project. "The last thing we want is for people to come out into a situation where they feel even more stressed, concerned and fearful than when they were in the closet."

Beyond the Rainbow Welcome Mat

Inclusive policies are one thing, people's practices are another. Your boss may not be as open to your being gay as those setting the tone.

"If you have people in powerful positions with personal biases, it doesn't matter what the company's policy is," says Julie Jansen, a career coach and motivational speaker.

Avoid TMI

When you do come out -- whether it's by putting a photo of your partner on your desk or discussing your weekend activities -- don't share so much that you make others uncomfortable.

"It can't hurt you to be overly professional," Jansen says. "Then you can learn to loosen up as time goes on."

Let Your Resume Do the Work

If you prefer to have your orientation out there before you even get the job, one way is to list on your resume memberships in LGBT professional or community groups.

Including such affiliations, according to Brad Salavich, manager of IBM's GLBT diversity programs, sends a signal that "here's someone who wants to be out. We can now talk about it."

The Interview Strategy

By inquiring about nondiscrimination policies or domestic partner benefits during an interview, you can come out without having to say, "Yep, I'm gay."

"I encourage my gay and lesbian clients to ask about diversity," Jansen says. "It's going to be obvious in many cases why you're asking."

Be Honest With Yourself

Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is whether you can work in a place where it's not OK to be out.

"If you don't feel like you can disclose your sexual orientation in an interview, are you ever going to feel like you can disclose it on the job -- and is that the environment you want to be working in?" Keys says.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Recruiter Roundtable: Salary Mistakes

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

What is the most common mistake candidates make in discussing or negotiating salary, and how can they avoid it?

Don't Fence Yourself In

The most common mistake is bringing up salary too soon and pinpointing specific numbers. Candidates should leave salary discussions until the end of the process. If you are working through a recruiter and are asked about salary, the best answer to give is: "I have spoken to the recruiter about my salary requirements and I would feel more comfortable if you discussed it directly with him." If not working with a recruiter, you should let the employer kindly know you are looking for a market-competitive salary for your skill set, and you are taking into account the entire compensation package and opportunity as a whole. You should stray away from discussing your current compensation specifics -- at the very least in the initial interviews.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Be Honest and Accurate

Quite often, a candidate's compensation numbers change as they go through the interview process. What started as "around $150K base" in early discussions suddenly becomes $167,500 when they realize they are actually in contention. The best formula is to write out, in detail, all elements of your remuneration over the last few years to ensure you have a true picture. This becomes more important for senior executives with complex stock positions.
-- Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry International

Look at the Big Picture

Candidates forget about the total compensation package and focus exclusively on base salary as the sole determining factor when deciding to accept or reject an offer. There are many other items to consider, such as benefits, short- and long-term career growth, personal satisfaction, company philosophy, reputation and size of the organization, and work/life balance. Many of these items can't be quantified, but often they can make or break a team member's long-term satisfaction with a company.
-- Jill Davis, recruiter with Wells Fargo's operations team

Focus on Career Goals

The biggest mistake candidates make is that they believe they will get a huge increase in salary simply because they are moving on to another role. While in some cases that may be true, the reality is that a new opportunity does not guarantee new fortunes. Do not let money be your highest priority. Look for a role that suits you best and concentrate on impressing the recruiter/hiring manager with your career goals, not financial goals. Once your offer is presented, chances are your compensation package will be a fair one based on your skills and the organization's needs.
-- Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant

Timing Is Crucial

Candidates should remember that, at the end of the day, they can always say "no" to an offer. With this in mind, there is no reason for them to embellish, change, or otherwise dissemble about their current or past salary. Telling the complete truth from the beginning sets the tone for the whole relationship with the hiring manager and recruiter.

Let the recruiter know about any bonuses, stock-option vesting, or related compensation details, and the timing is crucial. If the hiring manager likes you, she will do her best to make you a competitive offer, and will appreciate your honesty throughout the process. Revealing hidden details about compensation after the offer is made does not bode well for a beneficial manager/employee relationship.
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Tips for Surviving Challenging Supervisors

Bad Boss Blues
by Robert Half International


Building good rapport with your boss is essential to your career success. After all, he or she decides which projects you take on and how quickly you advance. But not all workers see eye-to-eye with their supervisors. Here are some common types of managers and tips for working with each of them.

The Box of Chocolates
As with selecting a bonbon from an assortment, you never know what you're going to get with this boss. The manager may confide in you one day and turn a cold shoulder the next.

Your Coping Strategy: Remain calm when interacting with this type of boss. When this manager is on edge, limit communication to email unless a matter is urgent. Do everything you can to ease this person's stress level, which may be driving his or her mood swings.

The Bully
This boss has a consistent disposition: overbearing. This type of supervisor also tends to be gruff with others and is easily frustrated.

Your Coping Strategy: Deal with this person by standing up for yourself. In fact, this person may do a complete 180 once he or she is convinced you're up to the challenge of working together. If your manager continues to bully you, however, move on.

The Control Freak
This person wants to know every detail of every project. He or she also has trouble delegating tasks, and may not give you very challenging assignments.

Your Coping Strategy: Trust is usually the issue, so try to build it. Start a log that details the status of your current projects and steps you've taken to ensure quality work. The more confident your manager is in your abilities, the less controlling that person is likely to be.

The Mute
This manager lets staff members "figure things out on their own." Because this person relies on email -- and works behind closed doors -- you rarely have the opportunity to clarify ambiguous messages.

Your Coping Strategy: Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if through email. If a topic becomes so complex that you begin shooting messages back and forth, your boss may eventually request an in-person meeting. If the conversation goes well, he or she may even realize verbal dialogue can be an efficient mode of communication.

The Best Friend
This person is afraid to set standards because he or she wants to be liked by everyone. This manager frequently relinquishes responsibility for the sake of friendship, compromising the team's ability to function.

Your Coping Strategy: Enjoy the occasional lunch out, but keep a professional distance and support this person when he or she exerts authority. Once your boss understands leadership is needed, he or she may feel more confident in the role and be more active in managing you and the rest of the team.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Triumph Over a Bad Performance Review

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Almost every performance review includes some criticism. But what happens when you feel like your boss has almost nothing good to say in the review? Does it mean not just that your work could be improved, but that your boss wants you gone?

Ask Before You React

If you're thinking on your feet during the review, you can ask a question or two to help clarify your situation.

For example, ask your boss to rate your overall performance on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is someone about to be promoted and 1 is someone about to be fired, suggests executive coach Debra Benton. Using a numerical scale "kind of takes the personalization out of the whole thing," says Benton, author of several books, including "How to Think Like a CEO."

Put Negatives in Perspective

If you walk away from the review still worried, the first thing to do is let it sit for a day or two.

"You may have fixated on one comment," says Richard Phillips, a career coach and owner of Advantage Career Solutions in Palo Alto, California. People tend to go into reviews listening for negative comments. And in addition, Phillips says, sometimes managers spend more time talking about the bad than the good, without putting it in perspective.

If, after rereading your written review, you still think it's overly negative, consider whether your boss is right about your performance. Perhaps there's a simple error on the review form, a misstatement of your sales numbers, for example. If so, it should be easily corrected.

Keep It Specific

If you don't fully understand what your boss is unhappy about, ask for another meeting and request specific examples. If your boss says you need to be more responsive to co-workers' requests, for example, Phillips suggests asking what specific events prompted that comment, and how your boss would like to see you handle similar problems in the future.

The worst-case scenario with a review -- that your boss is saying you just aren't cutting it -- doesn't happen often. But if your boss really means you're not doing an acceptable job, then you need to ask yourself some hard questions to determine why.

If you have had good reviews previously, what has changed? Do you have a new boss with different expectations? Are you distracted by personal problems?

Weigh Your Options

"It may be giving you a true picture, but not something you want to hear," Phillips says.

It may be tempting to simply quit and look for a new job, but Phillips urges caution. It could be that you will need to find a new position -- if, for example, you have tried everything but just aren't clicking with your boss, or you have had more than one bad review. But rather than quitting immediately, it's often better to try to address the issues your boss has raised first.

"If you overreact to it, it actually ends up being harder in the long run," Phillips says. Your unhappiness about the review is likely to come through when you're interviewing for new positions. "It takes you longer to find another job, because you're out there maybe feeling a little resentful."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

More Men Report Sexual Harassment at Work

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Defying assumptions about sexual harassment in the workplace, a record percentage of men reported being harassed by male colleagues last year, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Cases filed by men made up 15.4 percent of the 12,025 sexual harassment charges in fiscal year 2006, compared to 14.3 percent in 2005 and 11.6 percent a decade ago, according to the EEOC.

New Realities in the Workplace

"There's no question this is not only a growing category of claims, but also a large societal problem of which we are just starting to see the tip of the iceberg," says Riki Wilchins, executive director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, a nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C.

Although the statistics don't reveal whether the alleged harassers of men also are male, they typically are -- it's rare for a man to file charges against a female coworker or supervisor, says EEOC spokesman David Grinberg.

It's also unlikely that interactions in the workplace between men have become more hostile over the past 15 years.

What's changed, though, is recognition by the legal system of male-on-male harassment, via a landmark 1998 Supreme Court ruling. The high court found in Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services that same-sex sexual harassment is a form of discrimination protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

An Unwritten Code Changes

"This kind of harassment has always taken place in the workplace," Wilchins says. "But the kind of abrasive, sexualized horseplay that might have been acceptable 10 years ago is actionable today.

"More males realize they don't have to take it -- they can file suit."

While harassment based on sexual orientation is not protected by federal law, it's important to note that in gender-based harassment, the aggressors -- and their victims -- are likely straight.

"We assume that the vast majority of the cases are not individuals who are necessarily gay or transgender, but they're in situations where there are these abrasive codes of masculinity to which men are expected to live up to," Wilchins says.

Know the Signs

What constitutes sexual harassment? According to the EEOC, it happens when submitting to or rejecting "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature" affects your job, disrupts your work performance or leads to an "intimidating, hostile or offensive" workplace.

In the case of men harassing other men, these unwelcome behaviors could range from the use of feminine pronouns and sexual taunts, to simulated sex acts and threats of a sexually aggressive nature, according to GenderPAC.

What You Can Do

What to do if you believe you're a victim? The EEOC recommends you first follow internal company complaint procedures.

If your employer cannot -- or will not -- resolve the situation to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint at one of the EEOC's 53 offices.

The agency will investigate, and if it finds evidence to support your claim, will attempt to mediate the case. If necessary, the EEOC will file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Just Say No: Five Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Employer caution has extended the hiring process by weeks, even months. You may interview for a position several times, in person and by phone. No matter how long the process is and how well you've gotten to know your potential colleagues, it's still perfectly acceptable to turn down a job offer. In fact, there may be many valid reasons that you should politely decline an opportunity, assuming, of course, that you're not in dire financial straits.

1. The word on "The Street."

Is the company's stock price tanking? Or is there talk of a merger? Both of these things could indicate that layoffs loom large, and the position you accept today may not exist in a few months. To calculate your risks, speak with industry experts, do your due diligence on Yahoo! Finance, and consult with family and trusted friends. If you still want to accept the position, try to obtain an iron-clad employment contract.

2. A revolving "Employees Only" door.

A certain percentage of employee turnover is normal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average voluntary employee turnover in the U.S. for 2006 was 23.4 percent. However, high employee turnover should raise a red flag for any potential worker. Research a company thoroughly before accepting an offer. Also, be sure to listen carefully during the hiring process. Do interviewers keep referring to folks who've left the company or mentioning a total lack of redundancy? These could be signs that people are leaving faster than replacements can be recruited.

3. Money isn't everything; it's the only thing.

If money is a major factor in your decision to accept a new job, think twice before you do. In fact, think three times. Even four.

Depending on your personal financial situation and how much more you'd be earning in a new job, money may not buy you on-the-job happiness or professional fulfillment. It may not even guarantee career advancement. Assess your finances. Revisit your career goals. Look at the situation with a big-picture view of your future. Making a move for a modest increase may not be worth it if there's more long-term potential with your current employer. Also, be sure to calculate your entire compensation package to make sure that you're not forfeiting a valuable retirement or insurance plan for a bigger paycheck.

4. All work, no life.

There's a time in almost everyone's career where they have to put their nose to the grindstone and work almost to the point of burnout. If you're just beginning your career or starting a second one, this may be what lies ahead for the next few years. However, if you're a mid-careerist with a family and personal obligations, it may not be wise to accept an 80-hour-a-week job. Consider the impact your new schedule will have on you and your family. Will generous vacation make up for the longer hours? Is there flex time available so you can still attend family functions? Can you work from home? Forfeiting invaluable work-life balance benefits without assessing the consequences can have a devastating impact on your personal life.

5. A bad reputation.

Going to work for a company with a reputation that's been sullied by a corporate scandal or that isn't well respected can, in turn, sully your resume. Investigate any potential employer's standing within their industry. Solicit opinions from within your network as well as that of an executive recruiter. You may learn that it's better to be a top salesperson at an admired organization rather than a VP of sales at a suspect one.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Four Cover Letter Flubs to Avoid

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Resumes get a lot of attention during a job hunt. However, don't forget to give your cover letter its due. After all, employers usually review a cover letter prior to looking at your resume. If your cover letter doesn't pass muster, your resume won't ever get any attention at all.

Each time you craft a new cover letter, be sure to avoid these four flubs that can contribute to missed opportunities.

1. Gender Bender

Don't start things off on the wrong foot with a gender-specific salutation, such as "Gentlemen." In fact, it's best to completely avoid references to gender as they can seem dated and even offend someone who is transitioning to another gender. Rather, try to find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your resume and address the cover letter to that individual. If this isn't possible, opt for "To Whom It May Concern," the most neutral of all salutations.

2. One Letter Doesn't Fit All

It's fine to create a standard cover letter during your job search, but be sure that you use extreme caution when revising the letter for different employers. Common errors include listing the wrong job title, company name, date, or source of a job listing. Take the time to be sure that you've got your facts straight in each letter -- and while you're at it, spend a few more moments tailoring a unique response to each employer.

3. Size Matters

A cover letter should be just that -- a letter. Put thought into its content. While you don't want to submit a two-page tome, so to speak, you do want your cover letter to consist of more than a sentence or two. Three well-written paragraphs outlining your interest in the position and qualifications are ideal. Anything shorter could communicate a lack of effort while anything longer probably won't be read.

4. Take Direction Well

Employers want to know if you take direction well -- and that appraisal begins with your cover letter. If you're asked to send your resume to a particular person, make sure you do so. Follow any format requests (PDF, Microsoft Word, text documents, etc.). Also, if an ad states that you must include your salary requirements to be considered, do so if you really want to be considered for the position. Ignoring obvious instructions at the stage of the game is an easy way to guarantee you won't be hired.

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

The First-Time Manager's Guide to Success

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


You worked hard, became the go-to person on your team and finally were promoted to manager. You feel that you've arrived. And you may have already made your first mistake.

"A lot of people think there's some glory in getting this title of manager" and take the job because of the success it implies, not because they really want to manage other people, said Gerard H. Gaynor, author of "What Every New Manager Needs to Know."

But never fear. Gaynor and other experts have tips on five common mistakes new managers make -- and how you can avoid them.

Take Time to Learn

You naturally want to show the people who promoted you that they made the right decision, so it's tempting to try to make big changes right away. "There's always pressure to do something soon to get some visibility," said Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California.

But it's better to take it slow. "There's an awful lot to learn," Pannwitt said. "Who are the other players? What is your place in the hierarchy? What is the contribution that's expected of you?" And if you spend some time listening and learning, when you do take on a big project you'll be more likely to succeed.

Share the Work

If you're feeling overwhelmed with all the work you have to do, take a careful look to be sure you're not still trying to do your old job as well. It's a common mistake of new managers, said Carol W. Ellis, a business and career management consultant and in Placitas, New Mexico, and author of "Management Skills for New Managers."

"In many cases they've been rewarded for doing work," Ellis said. "Therefore they're afraid to give it up." Remember, though, that your old job is now someone else's responsibility -- and yours is to make sure your team succeeds, not to do all the work yourself.

Listen to Your Staff

Making decisions without getting your staff's input can cause two problems. First, you won't benefit from the insights they may have had about how best to go about your project. Second, your staff will not have any investment in making sure the project is successful.

"If employees don't feel that they were involved in the decision, then they can have all kinds of excuses for why this program or project is not going to work," said Carole C. Edman, a human resources consultant and coach in San Jose, California.

Share Good News

If someone compliments you on your team's work, tell your team. Some new managers "don't think people need to know when they do a good job," Ellis said. But that's not true. Sharing praise helps build trust.

Expand Your Perspective

As a manager, you have to expand your thinking to know what other groups are doing and how their work and your group's affect each other.

"Your scope of interest must go beyond the scope of interest of your group," Gaynor said. "You just can't sit back and say, 'I've got my own little shop over here.'"

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Internships Give Students a Career Advantage

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

With summer just around the corner, college students are getting serious about finding internships.

"Many young people don't know what they want to do when they come out of college," said Susan Terry, director of the Center for Career Services at the University of Washington in Seattle. "The internship gives them a chance to dabble."

Internships give college students access to workplaces that would otherwise be unlikely to hire them for the summer. Larger companies with well-organized programs may provide mentoring and a chance to work on a project that will benefit a college student's resume.

Experience That Pays Off

Interns "learn how to apply what they're learning in class in the real world," said Nadene Francis, assistant director for public relations at the University of Florida Career Resource Center. "It makes them more marketable to potential full-time employers or to graduate programs."

Indeed, many companies use internship programs as a way to evaluate students for potential full-time jobs. A survey of employers last year by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the employers offered jobs to more than 70 percent of their interns.

And internships can help sell candidates to other companies, as well: The same survey found that more than 60 percent of the new college grads hired by the companies that responded had some sort of internship experience, though not necessarily at the company that hired them.

Expand Your Horizons

Students looking for internships should think broadly. For example, someone who is planning to go to medical school doesn't need to work in an obstetrician's office for the summer. An internship with a pharmaceutical company, a medical nonprofit or even an insurance company could provide valuable experience, Francis said.

It's also important to remember that although some internships pay very well, others offer low pay -- or none at all. Some count for college credit; others do not.

"Don't let the fact that it's unpaid deter you," Francis said. "Plan ahead. Work other parts of the year, or do a better job of budgeting."

Tools for the Search

So what's the best way to find an internship? In many ways, an internship search is similar to a job search: Online postings, career fairs and networking are all good sources of leads. College students have an additional resource in their career centers. And psychology majors, for example, should check with the psychology department for internships in their field.

Some deadlines for summer internships have already passed, so students who haven't started looking may need to look beyond the biggest companies.

"There are plenty of internships available year-round for students," Terry said. "It's certainly not too late."

Plan for Interviews

Francis suggests students take a regional approach: First, they figure out where they'll be for the summer. Then they consider what skills they would like to develop, and research companies or organizations in that area where they might get that experience.

Jamila Blake, who is interviewing candidates for an internship coordinating volunteers at Willow Tree Hospice in West Grove, Pa., said candidates can make a good impression by being on time and dressing appropriately for their interview. She is looking for evidence that a candidate is interested in marketing, as well as experience as a volunteer.

"It's important to ask questions" during the interview, Blake said. "You're interviewing the agency as well."

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Make a Fresh Start This Spring

Spring-Cleaning to Improve Your Work Life
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Spring has sprung. What better way to embrace the season by doing a little professional spring cleaning?

De-clutter Your Desk

The long winter may have left your desk in disarray. Piles of papers, sticky notes that have stuck around for way too long, and unread news articles are common culprits.

To begin the unpleasant process, you'll have to admit some lies. You're not ever going to "Call Tom!" or read the pile of trade magazines gathering dust in the corner.

File away anything that you must keep. Take action on what you've been avoiding but are willing to address. Toss everything else.

Clutter on your desk and in your office clutters your mind.

Out With the Old Projects, in With the New

If you're like most people, you probably have an unfinished project or two on your plate.

Take a look at why each project remains unfinished. Are you merely being lazy? Or are you overwhelmed by the work that still needs to be done? Perhaps the project itself is shaping up to be a waste of time and resources.

Whatever the case, speak with your supervisor to get the assistance you need to finish a project -- or the permission to abandon it altogether.

You can't spring forward if you're bogged down with old projects.

Organize Your Email Inbox

If you've got scores of old emails lingering in your inbox, you may risk noticing important new messages. Address old messages this spring so you can face the season with an empty inbox.

Also, if you haven't done so, create folders for important messages that you wish to keep after they've been addressed.

And here's one final point for motivation: Some professional spring cleaning can go a long way to enhancing your attitude and productivity.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Do the Right Thing With Your References

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

If you're like most job seekers, you probably pay lots of attention to your resume and even your cover letter. In comparison, your references may be something of an after-thought, but treating them as such is a huge tactical error in your quest for work. A thoughtful and stellar reference can help you get hired, while an unenthusiastic, uninformative reference may hurt your chances.

Here are eight do's and don'ts to make the most of your references.

The Do's:

    * Do remove "References available upon request" from your resume. Of course they are!
    * Do mention a reference by name in your cover letter if that individual works at the company to which you're applying and has a good reputation there. This will help ensure that your resume gets the attention it deserves.
    * Do keep your references varied. List just one per job or period in your professional life.
    * Do check in with your references at least two times a year. Let each person know where you're at in your career. Also, remember to see if there's any way you can help them in their careers.

The Don'ts:

    * Don't give your references out to prospective employers without being asked. Also, make sure you're being asked at the appropriate point in the hiring process. It should be clear that you're under serious consideration when you provide them.
    * Don't provide a prospective employer with too many references. Three should be ample. Just be sure that each has something unique to say about your talents and your contributions at each job you've done.
    * Don't list references that go too far back in your employment history, unless the person you're using as a reference is famous in the field in which you're working, or your contribution to that company was particularly noteworthy.
    * Don't ask your references to "stretch the truth." It's bad enough if you get caught in a lie. If a professional reference is implicated in it, it can damage that person's reputation as well.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

References Rules That Shouldn't Be Broken

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


"References available upon request" seems to pop up on many resumes. But is the line really necessary?

No. Hiring managers assume you are able to provide this information when asked. Plus, by omitting the line from your document, you can save valuable space.

The following excerpts, all from real application materials, illustrate some other common mistakes people make when giving their references. Also provided are tips for avoiding these errors.

Choosing the wrong people

"References: My best friend."

When considering your list of references, select people you've worked with who can speak to your qualifications and professional attributes. Rest assured, glowing recommendations from a sibling or old college roommate will hold little weight with prospective employers. Coworkers and former managers are best.

Leaving out important details

"Bill, Tom, Eric. Phone numbers: I don't know."
"Contact John. He's the troubleman in the electric department."

List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resume and cover letter, and bring the document with you to the employment interview. It should include each person's name, job title and contact information. Make sure the information is accurate and complete. After all, an acquaintance won't be able to help you land the position if hiring managers can't reach him or her.

Taking a negative tone

"You will not get a good reference on me from these folks, I am afraid."
"People who will talk about me behind my back."

Above all, you want prospective employers to speak with people who will paint you in a positive light -- so don't list those who aren't your biggest fans. Also make sure everyone on your list of references knows you well enough to provide in-depth information about your best qualities. It's a good idea to let references know the type of work you seek and send them a copy of your resume so they can better speak to your skills and experience.

Focusing on the funny bone

"'Believe it or not, he can really do it all.' -- Robert Ripley"
"'He's worth every penny.' -- Ebenezer Scrooge"

All of your job search materials should be written in a straightforward manner. Jokes do not always come across on paper, and there's no guarantee the person reading your application will share your sense of humor. Impress hiring managers with strong references, not funny quips.

Going on and on and on...

"References: Many managers."

Your roster of references should include three to five names. Most hiring managers will not require more; if a prospective employer wishes to speak to additional individuals, he or she will ask you for more people to contact.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Where Should You Settle Down?

What to Consider Before Moving for Your Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're just beginning your career or embarking on an entirely new one, you may be thinking about a change of scenery as well. How can you best decide which part of the country -- or the world -- will serve you best professionally?

Opportunity

Naturally, certain towns and cities are magnets for particular industries. New York has Wall Street and finance professionals. Los Angeles has Hollywood Boulevard and entertainment professionals. Chicago has North Michigan Avenue and advertising executives. However, while these areas represent the seats of these industries, opportunities still abound in many regions.

In other words, if you want to be a software developer, you may find a lot of opportunities in Silicon Valley -- and in other parts of the country as well.

Cost of Living

Typically, companies based in large metropolitan areas offer higher salaries. However, the cost of living is also higher -- perhaps to the point that a bigger salary won't compensate for it.

Create a budget based around living and working in different locales. Factor in what housing and transportation will cost as well as things such as entertainment. Make sure you're being realistic about your budget and always factor in socking away money for a rainy day.

Don't forget to take your lifestyle preferences into account. If you enjoy golf or tennis, pick a place to live where it will be easy (and within your budget) to pursue your favorite pastimes.

Airport Accessibility

If travel is a part of your profession, the location of your home can mean the difference between a happy personal life and a miserable one. Think strategically about how close you are to a major airport and how accessible public transportation to it is. If you're in and out of airports with great frequency, you'll want to be able to get home and unwind in a hurry.

You'll also want to ensure that you can take as many direct flights as possible. When your only option is a smaller airport, you may have take connecting flights more than you care to.

Economic Growth

Are you moving to an area that's experiencing economic growth? If so, that bodes well for your long-term prospects in the area. Even if you decide to change jobs or careers, a robust local economy will yield greater opportunity.

Contact local chambers of commerce for help in determining if the industry in which you work has a substantial presence in the area. This will be crucial in building a new professional network wherever you put down roots.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Five Tips for Switching Career Paths

by Jennifer Merritt, Carolyn Bigda and Donna Rosato, MONEY Magazine


Switching fields may seem taboo, but it's quite doable, especially now when labor markets are tight. Almost half of the 164 employers who responded to our MONEY Magazine/Salary.com survey say they regularly target mid-career changers when recruiting. One reason: Switchers are dedicated to their move, with 32 percent saying they'll spend "as long as it takes" to get the necessary certification and schooling.

What are they looking for? Pay and advancement, sure, but also fulfillment and a sense that they can control their career paths.

Steve Mullins, 44, already has a good job: He's a telecommunications engineer for a pharmaceutical company. But he's studying to become a nurse -- it's a top job for career changers because demand is so high. "They can offshore my job any day of the week," says Mullins of Noblesville, Indiana. "And of course, when you fix a router, it doesn't say thanks."

To make your case to a hiring manager, follow these tips.

1. Show your commitment.

"Employers are seeing high turnover," says Kimberly Bishop, a senior client partner at recruiter Korn/Ferry International. "They want to make sure you will be the right fit."

You'll be more convincing if you take classes, join industry organizations or moonlight (even on a volunteer basis) within the field you're exploring before you try to go full time -- and you'll also have a much better idea if this really is the right move for you.

2. Quantify your skills.

It may not be obvious how what you know translates into what they do. So focus on your transferable skills -- not your experience -- in interviews and on your resume.

Quantify your accomplishments: Show that you increased sales X percent or managed Y number of people. "It helps provide the scope and breadth of your accomplishments," says Bishop, "and it shows you very clearly understand what you've done."

Also highlight areas in your background that give you an advantage. When interviewing for an IT position, Randy Jensen, 36, of Riverton, Utah, pointed out that after 15 years in radio, he has good communication skills. "I can string two sentences together," he says. "I'm not going to be a hermit in a cubicle."

3. Talk the talk.

Learning industry lingo is critical. "If you want to be a brand manager, you need to talk like one," says Ricki Frankel, a career coach who specializes in transitions. Read trade publications and job postings. And start networking.

To make the switch from sales engineer to marketing, Todd Cox, 39, of Atlanta, has been reading books and seeking out mentors. "It may be someone I read about or hear speak," he says. "I tell them what I'm trying to do and ask if they'll coach me along. It doesn't always work, but everyone gives me little tidbits."

4. Take a two-step approach.

"Every career is composed of two main factors, a job title and a particular industry," says Dick Bolles, author of "What Color Is Your Parachute?" "An easier way to transition is to change just one of those factors at a time."

So if you're a lawyer itching to become a travel writer, work as a writer for a legal publication first (new title) and then eventually move into travel writing (new industry).

Or do legal work for a travel publication and contribute pieces until you're able to pick up a writing position.

5. Give yourself enough time.

Quitting on a whim often results in a frantic scramble for a paycheck. Plus, you need to think through logistics. If you have to take a salary cut, how will you cover it? Are you willing to relocate?

It took Susan Rubin, 48, of Armonk, New York, four years to give up her legal practice and become a yoga instructor.

"I was hesitant to make the jump," she says, "but in the meantime, I was training and saving money. It was very hard for me to close the doors of my practice. But once I did, I never looked back."

Salary.com is a leading provider of on-demand compensation management solutions helping businesses and individuals manage pay and performance. For more information, visit salary.com.

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

The Five Things You Need to Succeed

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Whether starting a career or moving into senior management, everyone defines success differently. Whatever definition you use, there are five assets that can help you realize it on a professional level.

1. A Thick Skin

As you climb the corporate ladder or chase your dreams, you'll likely encounter criticism and rejection. Learn how to accept both graciously sooner rather than later. Constructive criticism can help you refine your plans. Rejection becomes less scary after you experience it a couple of times, which will help you become a more bold business person.

2. A Rainy Day Fund

Pursuing professional success often involves risk-taking -- leaving a longtime job for a new opportunity, moving to another state or country, or opening your own business. It's easier to take such risks if you have even a modest financial cushion. Work now to create a nest egg big enough to cover six months of living expenses. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to answer when new opportunity knocks.

3. Confidence

Pursuing your passion -- whatever it may be -- requires courage. You need to be able to ask for a promotion, ask for business, ask for financing. This can be intimidating, but, not unlike rejection, practice makes perfect. Start asking for what you want; you may not always get it, but you'll become more comfortable (and confident) doing so.

4. A Goal

If you want to move forward in your professional life, you need a goal to move toward. If you don't have a goal, get one -- or your career could stagnate.

Once you've identified your long-term goal, begin assembling a list of short-term objectives that will act as stepping stones to achieving your dream.

If you find that you don't know what you want to do with your life, try meeting with a career coach or counselor who can work with you to identify your passions and how you can pursue them professionally.

5. A Role Model

Chasing success is never easy, but it can be easier if you follow in someone else's footsteps. Focus on an individual whose rise to professional power has inspired you and model some of your actions after hers. Your role model doesn't have to work in the same field as you. What's important is to zero in on the habits and work ethic that may help you in your career. Look at how she handled adversity or how much determination it took to keep doggedly pursuing a goal and let that inspire and motivate you to follow suit.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Perfecting the Passive Job Search

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

Is your boss taking you for granted? Is business slowing around the office? You may not be ready to jump ship just yet, but you should start to explore other professional options. You need not engage in an all-out active job search. Rather, you can put out feelers in another way.

Follow these five steps to start your passive job search.

1. Post your resume online.

The easiest way to begin exploring your professional possibilities is to post your resume on Yahoo! HotJobs. By doing so, you're letting thousands of recruiters, human resources professionals, and employment experts know what your unique qualifications are and that you're interested in new opportunities.

Remember that your current employer might see your resume online, which may prompt your boss to give you a raise or a promotion if she's worried that you're going to jump ship. But you can also restrict searches of your resume, if you prefer.

2. Create an employer wish list.

Even if you're not yet ready to leave your current job, there are probably other employers in which you're interested. Create a comprehensive list of your dream employers. Research them on Yahoo! Finance. See if they show up on Fortune's popular "Best Companies to Work For" list. Then, find out if these companies employ people with your skill set.

3. Enlist your network.

Now that you have a list of dream employers, make inquiries to people in your network. Lauren Milligan, owner of Resumayday (www.resumayday.com), a career management services firm, warns against being too casual when reaching out for assistance. "If you're too casual, your network may not take your requests seriously," she counsels.

Ask if they've ever worked for any of the companies, or if they know of any who does. Request contacts (at any level) for each organization.

4. Harness the power of informational interviews.

Informational interviews are a powerful tool for the passive job seeker. Because you're not formally in the market for a new job, employers may welcome the opportunity to speak with you, as there is less pressure on both parties.

Career coach and resume expert Lauren Milligan believes informational interviews are a great way for any job seeker to gauge how attractive a candidate he is. Milligan says, "Near the end of the interview, ask, 'Do you mind looking at my resume?' Ask your interviewer to tell you what it's lacking so you can make yourself more marketable in your industry." Then, she says, "Find a way to acquire those skills or experiences while you still have your current job."

5. Follow up.

Whatever the immediate outcome of your search, continue to follow up with everyone in your network.

Career coach Milligan says, "Reach out and keep the people who've offered advice in the loop. If you've heeded it, drop them a note saying, 'I've taken your advice and I just want you to know you've been a big part of my success.' Or better yet, pick up the phone. Thanking someone ensures that they'll be there for you the next time you need help."

Conversely, if you know you want (and are now qualified for) a job at an informational interviewer's company, Milligan thinks you should ask for one. "Contact the person and say, 'I've done x, y, and z. I would like to pursue a position at your company. Can I send you a resume?'" Don't be afraid to be direct, she says. "You have to ask for the sale, so to speak. People rely on other folks to reach out, but the person on the other end has her own agenda. It can be a real time saver to just come out and ask for what you want."

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment